Chiropractic’s Role in Preventing and Treating Pickleball Injuries
Since its invention in 1965, pickleball has gained immense popularity recently, attracting players of all ages and skill levels. The United States Pickleball Association reports that over 36.5 million pickleball players currently play the game. The Sports & Fitness Association (SFIA) named pickleball the fastest-growing sport in America for the third straight year. Along with the sport’s increase in popularity, injuries have also become more frequent, resulting in $250-500 million in medical costs this year.1 The most common injuries include strains/sprains, fractures and contusions.2
Chiropractors, with our holistic approach to care, are natural leaders in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. We can treat pickleball-related injuries and counsel our patients on preventive measures to lessen the sport’s injuries while helping them excel at their game.
As a fellow pickleball player, I have experienced firsthand how the fast-paced and exciting sport connects people socially and forms bonds between generations. Children, parents, and grandparents frequently play the sport with their peers, family, and neighbors.
Pickleball involves a lot of movement, which elevates the heart rate, improves endurance and strength, improves cardiovascular health, and aids in weight loss. Although considered a low-impact sport, pickleball requires quick movement that changes the direction of the body, and hand-eye coordination, which demands flexibility and overall balance and coordination.
A person must prepare to play the sport with the right equipment and the correct strategies to play the game. Chiropractic can play a significant role in advising patients on proper equipment, training routines, and treatment for injuries should they occur. The following are recommendations to guide your patients and community groups in pickleball:
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Article written for Foot Levelers by Mario Fucinari, DC, CP CO, CP PM, CIC
August 2023
